Scott Powers
Calling racism a societal plague, Democratic state Senate candidate Melissa “Mel” Martin offered what she called her anti-racism platform as a recognition of Black History Month.
Martin, of Cocoa, is running against Republican state Sen. Dorothy Hukill in Senate District 14, covering southern Volusia and northern Brevard counties. A retired major in the U.S. Marine Corps, who served as an equal opportunity program manager, staff judge advocate, and strategic advisor for complex command issues, Martin issued a statement late Sunday she entitled, “Ending Systematic Racism in Florida.”
Among her proposals, Martin said she wants to see Florida public schools expand history, social studies and human behavior lessons to delve into “why societies were dehumanized and ransacked,” and to see state and local authorities provided with more tools, outside of courtrooms, to swiftly address allegations of “systemic injustice and unlawful discrimination.”
“Black History Month should be much more than an annual obligatory reminder. It should also be a time when we reflect on all issues that still need to be addressed, resolving to do so. While nation- and statewide debate on reasonable gun policy rightly maintains our attention, professionals – statesmen must continue working on all matters of the state,” she wrote in an accompanying email.
In her statement, Martin called racism a product of ignorance and fear, and a societal plague, and said it must be addressed with and countered by “an effective system of education and justice throughout all public systems.”
Her proposals:
– “Public and publicly-funded school systems must do more than annual celebrations. History must delve into the ugly truth of why societies were dehumanized and ransacked, why wars were fought; the sad, horrific violence of America’s own heritage. Human behavior classes should explore and enlighten students, officials, and government employees on why we fear what is different, how unconscious bias creeps into reality, and how inherent privilege enforces injustice and inequality for so many. Such critical lessons shouldn’t be left to an optional course in college, it should be basic knowledge, what we expect in our high school graduates and government agents.
– “To avoid unnecessary, costly lawsuits against government entities, there must be effective measures available to process allegations of systemic injustice and unlawful discrimination based on the standard of zero tolerance and the principles of full transparency and swift accountability.
“A local, independent entity such as an Inspector General’s office should be processing complaints of racism (and other forms of bigotry) in government systems.
– “The State of Florida should have an online, publicly available site to provide statistics and informational tools (such as educational videos for personnel training) so Floridians can see how our communities and public systems are treating this pervasive issue. It will take time and patience, but this basic framework of education and local justice, disinfecting Florida’s systems with full sunlight, is critical to moving our society closer to where we should be.”
9 comments
Mel Martin
February 19, 2018 at 8:41 pm
I’m happy to discuss further with anyone who’s interested in fighting systemic racism long-term. I’ve drawn from the success of such a framework in the military, and would love to hear the pros and cons of whether/to what extent it would work in state government. It won’t fix things overnight, or even within a few years; such a core understanding and practice of how to give due respect, dignity and worth to others who are different — will take generational change.
Damani Hosey
February 19, 2018 at 10:04 pm
To see a candidate for Florida Senate recognize and address systemic racism in our communities and nation is refreshing. Mel Martin is showing herself to be a candidate with new ideas not afraid to address tough issues. I fervently agree with her proposal to address systemic racism through proper instruction at our public schools during a time in students lives when their impressionable minds are vulnerable to racist beliefs and notions.
David P. Henry
February 19, 2018 at 10:26 pm
A democrat who appreciates the military and its service members.
A beacon for women holding her own amongst the toughest.
A champion for women’s rights with an appreciation for men and fathers.
A liberal with fundamental understanding not only of the issue of race but of systemic prejudice finely intertwined with classism intentionally structured so that every attempt to address the Gordian knot usually devolves into an un productive conversation.
Pay attention when an entire Democratic Party establishment doesn’t readily concede she is the right choice for the party and conservatives aren’t out right put off by her, bipartisanship is possible aka progress and a better America is possible for all.
Politics is evolving. No longer a dog and pony show with smoke and mirrors, now candidates have to bring it.
I wish her God speed, and failure to support her is reflective of the failure to support our veterans in general which reflective of today’s society.
Democrat party do your job, the people want Mel Martin not political pawns you all select for special interest.
Claudia Thomas
February 19, 2018 at 11:13 pm
Mel gave many of these same comments recently at the Harry T and Harriette V Moore Cultural Center’s Candidate Forum to a very engaged audience. I know this young woman, and she speaks unfailingly with passion and sincerity. It is so refreshing to see someone with such strong commitments and impressive credentials decide to use that for public service. Do yourself a solid a give her your vote!
Robert Chapman
February 20, 2018 at 12:10 am
Mel Martin using that old nonexistent Progressive beat of racism and white privledge, to drum herself into office in the most intellectual Senate District of the State of Florida, is not going to fly, here on the space coast! It looks like Dorothy Hukill will not have a problem running against such an insufferable Progressive!!!
Marion Greene
February 20, 2018 at 12:50 am
So she wants to go after individuals over a word that isn’t even definable. Sounds like a reckless loose cannon candidate to me.
chris kane
February 20, 2018 at 3:10 am
Education, particularly in our schools, on this issue is critical to eliminating not only this, but many problems facing our country. Our youth, hopefully, will solve the problems that we have been unable or unwilling to. Ms. Martin’s stance on the issue of racism is stepping out from behind the podium and saying what needs to be said. I think this is something that should have been said years ago and I applaud Ms. Martin for her position on this and her recommendations for possible solutions.
Jeremy grimes
February 25, 2018 at 7:05 am
A marine major who has an anti racism platform?
A candidate who has a clean water/pro environment platform?
She accepts zero money from corporations?
Wow! Full support.
I am a republican.
Country > party
Florida > partisanship
Thomas Claudia
February 25, 2018 at 10:54 am
You are a good man, Mr. Grimes!
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